2021 U13 State Hockey Championships

Congratulations to Adam Jennings who represented Port Macquarie/Hastings in the NSW State Hockey Championships in Parkes during the recent holidays.

This was a 3 day event hosted at the McGlynn Sporting Complex hosting over 20 teams in 3 divisions. The Port Macquarie team were in division 2. Adam was selected to the team which comprised boys from all clubs and schools in the area. The boys played 3 games in their pool of 4 teams and after a tight initial 1-1 draw with Grafton first up, then put together 2 solid wins against Orange and the Southern Highlands; 8-1 and 3-0 respectively.

This then gave them second in the pool by goal difference and a quarter-final against Wagga Wagga. This game was exceptionally one-sided and was a 15-0 trouncing. This earned them a semi-final against a solid Tamworth side which they were able to win 5-0 and earn themselves a rematch with Grafton in the Final.

The final was a very tight game with some great play from both sides. Great attack and even better defence. After 4 quarters of nerve-wracking play where no one wanted to lose, the game finished as a 0-0 all draw. Appropriately so after 2 games and 80 minutes of play, the two sides could not be separated and were named joint State Champions

Here are some comments from Coach Ash Grummitt;

“Across the 6 games played, the boys remained undefeated with 4 wins and 2 tight draws against the other deserving joint winners Grafton. We scored 32 goals but more importantly only conceded 2.. while the focus may have been on our ability to score goals, I think a big shout out needs to go to our defence as every good team is founded on how well the team can defend. What is equally impressive is that those 2 goals were conceded on the first day, with no goals against on Saturday and Sunday. The boys talked about how those goals were scored, and learnt from them - ultimately that is what the weekend is all about and I'm sure you all agree that the boys got better and better with every game and played some amazing hockey.

It is simply an awesome experience for them and winning a State Championships doesn't happen that often, so they should be very proud of their achievement! Thanks again to you all for your contribution and commitment to the boys' hockey.”

Michael Cannon
Leader of Sport

15th July 2021